The Gold Coast’s best breakfast hotspots

Waking up to the Gold Coast for a full day of beach action or theme parks requires some serious energy. You can’t tackle the day on an empty stomach, so we’ve pulled together a list of our favourite brekkie spots to kick start your day.

So, get out of bed (breakfast in bed is overrated unless it’s your birthday) and start eating.

Barefoot Barista

One to set the alarm for – locals line up for a feed and a coffee daily at Barefoot Barista in Palm Beach, so you know it’s good. Service is definitely done with a smile here and the food is delicious. Don’t worry, barefoot is only just in the name, not the kitchen.

Our pick: Scoff down their Boston beans – they’re so good that they’ve been known to make some diners’ toes curl.

Bellakai

Translated as ‘beautiful food’, Bellakai at Coolangatta combines relaxed beachfront dining with views that are easy on the eye. Take a seat inside at one of the slick white tables or head outside and bag a spot with uninterrupted water views.

Our pick: Grab their grilled haloumi with avocado and poached eggs.

Plantation House Café

Escape the rat race and hordes of hipsters and feast on fresh farm-gate produce at The Plantation House Café at Burleigh Heads. This café come country-style grocer has walls stacked high with tinned food, fresh produce and vintage knick-knacks. Take a seat on one of the plantation-style chairs under the jam jar light fittings and settle in for a hearty breakfast made with love.

Commune Cafe

Expect a warm welcome when you find this little gem hidden off the main drag. Communehas a great vibe and is run by locals who have a passion for the environment and local artists. Serving an all-day breakfast menu incorporating fresh organic ingredients, this place is perfect if you like the occasional sleep in like me.

Our pick: Their caramelised banana pancakes with nutella is a deliciously naughty way to start the day. Wash it down with the Commune super smoothie and you’ll be ready to hit the waves like a pro.

Elk Espresso

A short hop-skip-and-a-jump from the surf, Elk Espresso has a funky industrial Scandinavian feel to it in the heart of Broadbeach. Grab an outdoor table and soak up that Gold Coast sunshine as you pursue their menu of sweet treats and healthy offerings.

Our pick: The breakfast burger with an oreo thick shake or if you’re looking for a healthier option you can’t beat their sautéed kale and roasted butternut pumpkin breakfast.

Dune Café

Voted by locals as one of the top three places to have brekkie on the Gold Coast by Crave Gold Coast, Dune Café is a popular locale not only offering ocean views from your table, it’s also opposite the pirate park – so the kids can run free while you sip your soy latte in peace. Incorporating fresh local produce, Dune has a menu for both adults and little adults that draws a crowd every breakfast and lunch.

Canteen Coffee

Looking for a Middle Eastern inspired brekkie? Head to the cosy tables of Canteen where you can feast on local seasonal produce prepared fresh each day. This Aladdin’s cave will satisfy all three of your breakfast wishes – great coffee, great food and a great atmosphere

Our pick: The lamb kofta with Middle Eastern bean, poached eggs and a slab of sourdough toast will awaken any genie from their slumber.

Café Dbar

Combining art, food and amazing ocean views, Café Dbar located in Coolangatta offers coastal views from the comfort of their beautiful Queenslander. Browse through the gallery that stocks works from local artists or take a seat on their front deck where you can spot whales during their migration (June – November). This family-owned and run café is a great, chilled out brekkie option that will suit the entire family.

Tell us your favourite breakfast spot on the gold Coast. What gets you up in the morning?

Author

Nelson Hall moved to Queensland after living in Australia’s outback. With a keen sense of adventure and cheeky smile, he'll be diving headfirst into coastal living as he discovers the beaches and lifestyle of Queensland. A wannabe photographer and food junkie on social media, give this guy a swag or a luxe hotel suite and he’s as happy as a kid in a candy store.